Seal member, assembly, and method

ABSTRACT

A seal assembly and method according to which a plurality of seal members are provided, each of which is formed by a strip of material having two interlocking portions. One of the interlocking portion of each seal member interlocks with one interlocking portion of another seal member, and the other interlocking portion of the each seal member interlocks with one interlocking portion of another seal member.

BACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to a seal member, an assembly of seal members, and a sealing method, all for the purpose of sealing against the ingress of air through a joint between two components.

[0002] Seals are often employed with drying equipment in which air and moisture-laden materials are passed through the length of a dryer tube to dry the materials. The discharge end of the dryer tube usually extends through an opening in an enclosure that contains a screw conveyor, or the like, for receiving the dried material from the dryer tube and passing the material to other equipment. Seals are often provided at the joint between the discharge end of the dryer tube and the enclosure to prevent the ingress of “tramp” air into the enclosure via the opening.

[0003] However, existing seals of this type are often very complicated and expensive and often are fabricated from stainless steel which further increases the cost.

[0004] Therefore, what is needed is an air seal of the above type which is simple in design, easy to install, and relatively inexpensive.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention a plurality of seal members are provided, each of which is formed by a strip of material having two interlocking portions. One of the interlocking portions of each seal member interlocks with an interlocking portion of another seal member, and the other interlocking portion of each seal member interlocks with an interlocking portion of still another seal member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a seal member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007]FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the seal member of FIG. 1 shown in an interlocked position with another identical seal member.

[0008]FIG. 3 is a partial isometric view of a dryer tube shown connected to an enclosure.

[0009]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

[0010]FIG. 5 is a view, similar to FIG. 3, but depicting a seal assembly installed on the dryer tube of FIG. 3.

[0011]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 10 refers, in general, to a seal member according to an embodiment of the present invention. The seal member 10 is fabricated from an arcuate strip of flexible material, such as an urethane, which for the purpose of example, can be a 85 durometer urethane. The seal member varies in its radial dimension, or thickness, along its length to form a stepped cross section. More particularly, the seal member 10 includes a first section 10 a having a relatively small radial dimension, a second section 10 b extending from the section 10 a and having a relatively large radial dimension which extends, or projects radially outwardly from the section 10 a to form a shoulder 10 c. The radial inner surfaces of the sections 10 a and 10 b are coextensive. A third section 10 d extends from the section 10 b, and its radial outer surface is coextensive with the radial outer surface of the section 10 b. The radial inner surface of the section 10 d is stepped radially outwardly from the radial inner surface of the section 10 b to form a shoulder 10 e. The sections 10 b and 10 d are formed integrally with section 10 a.

[0013] A rib 12 is formed along one marginal edge portion of the sections 10 b and 10 d and projects radially outwardly from the latter sections. A rib 14 is also formed on the sections 10 b and 10 d and projects radially outwardly from the latter sections and in a spaced relation to the rib 12 to define a spring seat 16 therebetween. A flange 18 is formed along the opposite marginal edge portion of the sections 10 b and 10 d and projects radially outwardly from the latter sections. The ribs 12 and 14 and the flange 18 are formed integrally with the strip 10.

[0014]FIG. 2 depicts the seal member of 10 interlocked with a seal member 20 which is identical to the seal member 10. Thus, the seal member 20 is fabricated from an arcuate strip of flexible material such as polythene which includes a first section 20 a having a relatively small radial dimension, a second section 20 b extending from the section 20 a and having a relatively large cross section which extends, or projects radially outwardly from the section 20 a to form a shoulder 20 c. The radial inner surfaces of the sections 20 a and 20 b are coextensive. A third section 20 d extends from the section 20 b and its radial outer surface is coextensive with the radial outer surface of the section 20 b. The radial inner surface of the section 20 c is stepped radially outwardly from the radial inner surface of the section 20 a to form a shoulder 20 e. The sections 20 a, 20 b and 20 c are formed integrally.

[0015] A rib 22 is formed along one marginal edge portion of the sections 20 b and 20 c and projects radially outwardly from the latter sections; and a rib 24 is also formed on the sections 20 b and 20 c and projects radially outwardly from the latter sections and in a spaced relation to the rib 24 to define a spring seat 26 therebetween. A flange 28 is formed along the opposite marginal edge portion of the sections 20 b and 20 c and projects radially outwardly from the latter sections. The ribs 24 and 26 and the flange 28 are formed integrally with the strip 20.

[0016] The members 10 and 20 are interlocked by placing the distal end of the section 20 d of the member 20 against the shoulder 10 c of the member 10, and the distal end of the section 10 a of the member 10 against the shoulder 20 e of the member 20. In this interlocked position, the radial inner surface of the section 20 d engages the corresponding radial outer surface of the section 10 a.

[0017] The arcuate length of the assembly of seal members thus formed can be extended by adding other seal members identical to the seal members 10 and 20. In this case the seal member 10 would be connected to another identical seal member (not shown) in the same manner as described above, with the distal end of the corresponding section of the other seal member engaging the shoulder 10 e of the member 10. Still another seal member (not shown) can be connected to the seal member 20 in the same manner, with the distal end of the corresponding section of the latter other seal member engaging the shoulder 20 c of the member 20. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the number of seal members that are assembled in the above manner are such that a complete ring is formed, as will be discussed in detail later.

[0018]FIGS. 3 and 4 depict the lower, or discharge, end portion of a dryer tube 30 that cooperates with an enclosure 32 and extends through an opening 32 a (FIG. 4) in the enclosure 32. A support ring 34 is affixed to the outer surface of the enclosure 32 in any conventional manner, and surrounds the opening 32 a. The function of the support ring 34 will be described later. Moisture-laden particulate material is introduced into the other end (not shown) of the dryer tube 30 and is passed through the length of the tube to dry the material before it is discharged into the interior of the enclosure 32. The enclosure 32 usually contains a screw conveyor, or the like, (not shown) for receiving the dried material from the dryer tube 30 and passing the material to another location.

[0019]FIGS. 5 and 6 depict a seal assembly 40 which is formed by a series of interlocked seal members that are identical to the seal members 10 and 20, and which extends around the outer circumference of the dryer tube 30. The assembly 40 functions to seal against the ingress of air through the interface between the discharge end of the dryer tube 30 and the opening 32 a in the enclosure 32. To this end, the assembly 40 is mounted adjacent the discharge end of the dryer tube 30 with a portion of the inner radial surface of the assembly extending over, and being supported by, the support ring 34. The above first-mentioned marginal edge portions of the seal members 10 and 20, as well as those of the remaining seal members in the assembly 40, abut the corresponding outer surface of the enclosure 32.

[0020] As better shown in FIG. 6, a support flange 42, having a T-shaped cross section, is mounted to the outer surface of the dryer tube 30 in any conventional manner and extends in a spaced relation to the support ring 34. The outer radial surface of the flange 42 is aligned with the outer radial surface of the ring 34 and supports another portion of an inner radial surface of the seal assembly 40.

[0021] A ring-shaped bracket 44 is placed over an axial portion of the assembly 10 including the flanges 18 and 28 of the seal members 10 and 20, respectively, and the corresponding flanges of the remaining seal members. The bracket 44 extends around the entire circumference of the latter portion of the seal assembly 40, and a conventional clamp 44 a (FIG. 5) is mounted to the respective end portions of the bracket and secures the bracket in place. As a result, the bracket 44 urges the corresponding portion of the seal assembly 40 into engagement with the support ring 34.

[0022] The remaining axial portion of the assembly 40, including the ribs 12 and 14 of the seal member 10 (shown in FIG. 6), the ribs 22 and 24 of the seal member 20, as well as those of the remaining seal members, are not engaged by the bracket 44. A ring-shaped spring 46 is placed in the seats 16 and 26 of the seal members 10 and 20, respectively, and the other seal members of the seal assembly 40. The spring 46 extends for the entire circumference of the seal assembly 40 and is sized so as to apply a spring-loaded force to the assembly to force the corresponding portion of each seal ring into engagement with the support flange 42. Thus, a strong and effective seal against the ingress of air into the enclosure opening 32 a is established.

[0023] In addition to installing the seal assembly 40 on the lower, or discharge, end portion of the dryer tube 30, it is understood that another seal assembly could be installed on the upper, or inlet end portion of the dryer tube.

[0024] The seal members and the seal assembly of the above embodiments establish a superior seal yet are are simple in design, easy to manufacture and install, and relatively inexpensive.

[0025] It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the seal members disclosed above can be fabricated of any material consistent with the purpose of the invention. Also, the number of seal members used in a particular assembly can vary within the scope of the invention. Further, the expression “tube” is meant to cover other similar structure, such as conduits, pipes, ducts, etc., and the seal members and seal assembly can be used for sealing gases and liquids.

[0026] Since other modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A seal member comprising an arcuate strip of flexible material, a spring seat formed on one surface of the strip, the thickness of the strip being stepped along its length to permit the member to be interlocked with another identical seal member.
 2. The seal member of claim 1 wherein the seal member comprises a first, second and third section, wherein the radial inner surfaces of the first and second sections are coextensive, and wherein the second section is stepped to extend radially outwardly from the first section.
 3. The seal member of claim 2 wherein the radial outer surface of the third section is coextensive with the radial outer surface of the second section, and wherein the radial inner surface of the third section is stepped to extend radially outwardly from the radial inner surface of the second section.
 4. The seal member of claim 3 wherein the stepped portions of the second and third sections each form a shoulder for abutment by corresponding portions of the strip of another interlocking seal member.
 5. The seal member of claim 3 wherein the first, second and third sections are formed integrally.
 6. The seal member of claim 1 further comprising a pair of ribs projecting from the one surface of the strip to define the spring seat.
 7. The seal member of claim 6 wherein the ribs are formed integrally with the strip.
 8. The seal member of claim 6 wherein one of the ribs is formed along the marginal edge portion of the strip, and wherein the other rib is disposed in a spaced relation to the one rib.
 9. The seal member of claim 8 further comprising a flange projecting from the one surface of the strip adjacent the opposite marginal edge portion of the strip for providing a sealing action when a bracket is placed over the latter marginal edge portion.
 10. The seal member of claim 1 wherein the seat is adapted to receive a portion of a ring-shaped spring to urge the strip into a sealing engagement with a surface over which it extends.
 11. A seal assembly comprising a plurality of seal members, each comprising a strip of material having two interlocking portions, one of the interlocking portions of each seal member interlocking with one interlocking portion of another seal member, and the other interlocking portion of each seal member interlocking with one interlocking portion of another seal member.
 12. The assembly of claim 11 wherein each seal member is arcuate in shape, and wherein the interlocking seal members form a ring.
 13. The assembly of claim 11 further comprising a ring spring extending over the interlocked seal members to apply a sealing pressure to the seal members.
 14. The assembly of claim 11 further comprising a bracket extending over the interlocked seal members to apply a sealing pressure to the seal members.
 15. The assembly of claim 11 wherein each seal member comprises a first, second and third section, wherein the radial inner surfaces of the first and second sections are coextensive, and wherein the second section is stepped to extend radially outwardly from the first section to form one of the interlocking members.
 16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein the radial outer surface of the third section is coextensive with the radial outer surface of the second section, and wherein the radial inner surface of the third section is stepped to extend radially outwardly from the radial inner surface of the second section to form the other interlocking member.
 17. The assembly of claim 11 further comprising a pair of ribs projecting from a surface of each strip to define a seat and further comprising a spring member extending in the seat to apply a sealing pressure to the seal members.
 18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein one of the ribs is formed along the marginal edge portion of the strip, and wherein the other rib is disposed in a spaced relation to the one rib to form a seat.
 19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein the seat is adapted to receive a portion of a ring-shaped spring to urge the strip into a sealing engagement with a surface over which it extends.
 20. The assembly of claim 18 further comprising a flange projecting from the surface of the other marginal edge portion of each strip, and a bracket extending over the flange to urge the strip into a sealing engagement with a surface over which it extends.
 21. A sealing method comprising providing a plurality of seal members, each having two interlocking portions, interlocking one of the interlocking portion of each seal member with one interlocking portion of another seal member, and interlocking the other interlocking portion of each seal member with one interlocking portion of another seal member.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein each seal member is arcuate in shape, and wherein the step of interlocking additional seal members to each seal member to form a ring of seal members.
 23. The method of claim 21 further comprising applying a ring spring over the interlocked seal members to apply a sealing pressure to the seal members.
 24. The method of claim 21 further comprising applying a bracket over the interlocked seal members to apply a sealing pressure to the seal members.
 25. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming a pair of ribs that project from a surface of each strip to define a seat and applying a spring member extending in the seat to urge the strip into a sealing engagement with a surface over which it extends.
 26. The method of claim 21 further comprising forming a flange that projects from the surface of the strip, and applying a bracket over the flange to urge the strip into a sealing engagement with a surface over which it extends.
 27. A seal system for sealing against the passage of air through an interface between a tube and an opening in an enclosure, the system comprising a support ring extending from the enclosure and surrounding the opening, a support flange extending from the tube, a seal ring extending over the support ring and the support flange, and a first member for engaging the outer surface of the seal ring and forcing the seal ring into a sealing engagement with the support ring, and a second member for engaging the outer surface of the seal ring and forcing it into engagement with the support flange.
 28. The system of claim 27 wherein the first member is a bracket and the second member is a spring ring.
 29. The system of claim 27 further comprising a clamp for clamping the bracket into the sealing engagement with the seal ring.
 30. The system of claim 27 wherein the support flange is disposed in a spaced relation to the support ring. 